Bahrain, a small island country in the Middle East, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern architecture. The country offers a relaxed visa policy, making it easier for visitors to explore its wonders. One of the most convenient ways to enter Bahrain is through a visa on arrival, which can be obtained by citizens of eligible countries. In this article, we will delve into the details of Bahrain Visa on Arrival and the documents required to obtain one.
Who
is Eligible for a Bahrain Visa on Arrival?
Citizens
of certain countries can apply for a Bahrain visa on arrival, which allows them
to stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days. The eligible countries
include:
- Australia
- Canada
- European
Union countries
- Hong Kong
- India
(holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa)
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- United States
- Vatican City
Documents Required for Bahrain Visa on Arrival
To
obtain a Bahrain visa on arrival, you will need to present the following
documents at the airport:
- Valid
Passport:
A valid passport with at least six months' validity is required. Your
passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
- Return
Ticket:
You may be asked to show a confirmed return ticket or onward travel ticket
to prove that you intend to leave the country within the allowed
timeframe.
- Proof of
Funds:
You may be required to show proof of sufficient funds to support your stay
in Bahrain. The recommended amount is BHD 300 (approximately USD 800).
- Hotel
Booking or Sponsorship Letter: You may need to provide a hotel
booking confirmation or a sponsorship letter from a Bahraini citizen or a
company.
How
to Obtain a Bahrain Visa on Arrival
Once
you arrive at Bahrain International Airport, follow these steps to obtain your
visa on arrival:
- Proceed to
the Visa Counter: Head to the visa counter located in the
arrivals area of the airport.
- Present Your
Documents:
Submit the required documents, including your passport, return ticket,
proof of funds, and hotel booking or sponsorship letter.
- Pay the Visa
Fee:
Pay the visa fee, which is currently BHD 25 (approximately USD 66) for a
30-day visa.
- Wait for the
Visa:
Wait for the visa to be issued, which may take around 10-15 minutes.
- Biometric
Data:
You may be required to provide your biometric data, including
fingerprints.
Additional
Requirements for Indian Nationals
Indian
nationals who wish to obtain a Bahrain visa on arrival must fulfill additional
requirements:
- Hold a valid
US, UK, or Schengen visa
- Have a
minimum of two months' validity on their visa
- Provide
proof of onward travel to the US, UK, or Schengen countries
Extensions
and Renewals
If
you wish to extend your stay in Bahrain, you can apply for a visa extension at
the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs department in Manama. The
extension is granted for a maximum period of 30 days.
Conclusion
Bahrain's
visa on arrival policy makes it an attractive destination for tourists and
business travelers alike. By presenting the required documents and fulfilling
the eligibility criteria, you can obtain a Bahrain visa on arrival and explore
the country's rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
Remember to check the visa requirements and regulations before planning your
trip to Bahrain.